Keel-billed Toucan — Photo: Jonathan Rossouw

A superb transect of this country's ecosystems from Pacific and Caribbean lowland rainforests to highland specialties at Volcan Poás and the legendary Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve. Two nights with potential views of a sometimes active Volcan Arenal. Perhaps the best time of year to see Three-wattled Bellbird, Resplendent Quetzal, and Snowcap.

Costa Rica is often called the "Switzerland of Central America." It is a small, stable country with a prosperous middle class, fine educational system, and spectacular highland terrain. For its size, it boasts one of the richest avifaunas in the world.

Our Summer Costa Rica tour was originally conceived to make it possible for teachers to experience this great birding paradise. Although the rainy season begins in May, a two-week break in the rainy season in mid-July (a veranillo, or little summer) provides a window of opportunity. Generally, only one brief rainfall occurs each afternoon followed by bird activity that rivals dawn. Rarely encountering other birding groups is also a bonus.

In summer, we have a much better chance at three altitudinal migrants: Resplendent Quetzal, Three-wattled Bellbird, and the beautiful Snowcap. In addition, we will search for many of Central America's most spectacular birds including Barred Hawk; Black Guan; Scarlet Macaw; over 30 species of hummingbirds; 10 species of trogons; Yellow-eared Toucanet; 5 species of motmots; Yellow-billed and Snowy cotingas; manakins, woodcreepers, and furnariids galore; Azure-hooded Jay; Black-and-yellow Silky-flycatcher; and nearly 40 members of the tanager family.

Good to excellent accommodations; a superb bus driver who enjoys spotlighting outings after dinner; generally, only one brief rainfall each afternoon, followed by bird activity almost as good as at dawn.

Richard K. Walton’s DVD, The New World Tropics, An Introduction for Naturalists, includes visits to several of the finest lodges and field stations in Belize, Costa Rica, and Trinidad. If you would like to receive a free copy of this excellent, hour-long presentation, please contact the VENT office.